Clara J. Knauss

Clara Jane Knauss, age 89, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2008, surrounded by her loving family, at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish.

Clara was born on Dec. 15, 1918, in Austin, Manitoba, to Ruben and Edith Hotel Biggar. She moved to Whitefish with her family when she was in grade school and attended Whitefish schools.

She married Earl Lee Knauss in Libby in 1934 and they made their home in Whitefish. Clara was a devoted wife and mother raising their two sons Donald Lee and Earl Richard.

She also worked at the Whitefish Public Library, Whitefish Water Department, and Sandra’s Dress Shop.

Clara enjoyed her horses and cats, bird watching, handicraft work, bowling, modeling, gardening, bicycle riding, reading and traveling. She was a life-long learner. She was a member of the Rifle Club and Moose Club and Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband Earl Lee Knauss in 1977, her son Earl Richard “Dick” Knauss in 1968; her parents, Reuben and Edith Biggar; sisters: Margaret Biggar, Enid Gilbert and Gennette “Nettie” Wilson; brothers: Richard, Phillip and Hugh Biggar; and her great-great-granddaughter Taylor Overton. Also preceding her in death was her companion, Robert Wicen.

She is survived by her son Donald Knauss and his wife Janet of Libby, grandchildren: Bob Knauss and his wife Caryn, Cathy Brown, Ron Knauss and his wife Davina and Kelly Knauss; eight great-grandchildren: Shaunnah, Megan, Miranda, Cali, Logan Rose, Cody, John and Tony; and six great-great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren: Krystal Mires and Bonnie Mires Koch; sister Sheila Calhoun and her husband Bruce, and her children Dennis, Jackie and Bill, a sister-in-law, Gwen Biggar, and other nieces and nephews, Sandra, Peggy, Myrtis, Dewey, Joe, Dawn, Dana, Joanie and Annette.

Clara resided at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish for five years and was known as the Nursing Home Sweetheart and all the staff there was part of her loving family.

A visitation was held from 1-8 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2008 at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

Funeral services for Clara were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish with Rev. Peter Erickson officiating. Burial will follow in the Whitefish Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Whitefish Moose Lodge.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Whitefish Library at 9 Spokane Ave. in Whitefish.